Firstly, I have to apologise for this update taking so long. I got super sidetracked with real life and could not finish this update. Secondly, thank you so much for the kind reviews and messages. I won't be updating as fast as I normally do but will try not to let it go more than a few days. Hope you're still enjoying the ride! Xx

"Dude put your phone away. We're here." Ruby berated as they pulled up outside Emma's apartment. She could have driven herself but Ruby had insisted she was coming so that Killian couldn't talk her into staying or ruining any more of her day. She had a point. Emma didn't think he'd be quite as willing to lay into her with Ruby there, so she'd reluctantly let her drive.

"So the plan is, we get in, grab as much of your shit as possible and get the fuck out!"

Emma chuckled. "That's not a plan! That's more like a hit and run!"

"Exactly! I can't believe you gave him your money you loser!"

Emma grimaced. She was literally going to New York without a cent and she wasn't looking forward to it. "I was angry and I needed to prove a point."

Ruby huffed and slammed the door. "Yeah well you are proving your point by leaving the dick. Can I have his guitar that you bought him?"

Emma laughed ironically. "Ha ha. No! Rubes behave yourself. I said I can handle this ok? Just, help me grab my stuff and only my stuff."

"Fine." Ruby groaned. "But I'm taking your throw blanket too! It would look awesome on my couch."

Emma shook her head as she turned the key in the door. She walked in slowly and was relieved to see Killian wasn't there. She let out a sigh of relief. "He's not here. Come on, let's get this done."

The two women raced around the apartment grabbing as much of Emma's stuff as possible. She didn't have much really. Mostly clothes and instruments. Ruby carried her electric guitar down to the car along with her pedal case and music stand. Emma got to work pulling all her clothes and shoes out of the closet and shoving them in garbage disposal bags. She only had a small overnight case so there was no way it would fit everything. She picked up her laptop and carried it under her arm along with the two bags of clothes and took one final look around the apartment. This had been her home for two years and it felt strange leaving it. She wasn't sure she was completely ready for all the changes but she was excited. Of course she was going to be sad, but it felt like the right thing to do. She had been longing for a fresh start for so long.

The women met outside by the car and Ruby hugged her tight when she saw the blonde. "You're doing the right thing Emma. Trust me, your life is going to get much better without him weighing you down. You're a free spirit."

Emma smiled lightly. Her stomach was churning as they drove off back to Ruby's place. It was a temporary solution but one that she hoped would be resolved within a few weeks.

"What time is the flight?"

"Nine."

"I'll drop you off. How are you getting to the office?" Ruby asked trying to focus Emma's attention on something more positive than having just walked away from four years of her life.

"They're sending a car. I'm so nervous."

"You'll be fine. Just remember they are human too. You have nothing to be nervous about. You'll slay it!"

Emma was quiet for most of the short journey. It was so much to take in in such a short amount of time and she needed to focus on the most important thing right now, which was getting herself organized for tomorrow. They arrived back at Ruby's and dumped everything in the living room. Emma started organizing her overnight bag and deciding what she should take. "Think I should take my guitar?" She asked Ruby.

"Definately! If it all goes to shit you're gonna need it so you can busk your way back to Boston!"

"Very funny!" Emma rolled her eyes.

After they'd finished organising her stuff, Ruby pulled the sofa bed back out and made it up for her friend. "I'm gonna call it a night Em. I think I'm still hungover and if we have to get up at 7, I need my beauty sleep."

"Yeah cool Rubes. I'm gonna sleep soon too. Good night and thanks for this." Emma smiled gratefully.

"Any time. Good night babe. Try to get some sleep."

Emma changed into shorts and a t-shirt and settled into the bed. She knew she wouldn't be able to drop off too easily tonight, not with so many things going on inside her head. Her thoughts turned to the person that had made the last 48 hours possible and her mind started to relax. She finally fell asleep with a vague smile crossing pulling at the corners of her lips.

...

Emma woke up around 6. She kept thinking she'd missed her alarm and had actually woken up at least three times during the night in a panic. She finally caved and got up to make breakfast. Ruby only had left over pizza, one tomato and a carton of milk in her refrigerator. Not much had changed in that respect since their college days. Emma laughed and opened a cupboard. There was thankfully a box of Fruit Loops so she poured herself a bowl while the perculator did its job. She sat down in the tiny kitchen and pulled out her phone to do her usual social media routine. Today made her smile. There was over 60,000 views on the video her and Ruby posted yesterday and a stream of wonderful comments. Her stomach buzzed with anticipation. There was also a message from Killian which she chose not to read. She didn't want anything to dampen her day. The comment that stood out to her was Regina's. It read: Mesmerizing performance as always. Number 1 fan right here! X

It warmed her heart that this woman had taken the time out of her day to write a comment and she really did enjoy her music. He's stomach fluttered as she realised that in a few hours time she would be with said woman and possibly signing a record deal. She took a long shower and started her beauty routine.

Ruby banged on the bathroom door. "I need to pee. Are you decent?"

Emma pulled the door open and walked out smiling. "All yours!"

Ruby grinned and didn't bother shutting the door again as she pulled down her shorts. She shouted through to Emma. "On a scale of one to a billion, how excited are you?"

Emma rolled her eyes at the woman's lack of shame. She was used to it though. "Close to a billion."

Ruby shoved a toothbrush in her mouth and tried to talk through the foam. "You're gonna ace it."

The morning seemed to be going on slow motion for Emma. So many things were going on inside her mind and her stomach wouldn't settle. The pair got in the car and Ruby drove to the airport. Once there, Emma checked herself in and turned to Ruby with a big smile on her face. "I'm flying first class!"

Ruby squealed. "That's so cool dude! Mr. Gold must really wanna sweeten you up!"

Emma took a few deep breaths and hugged Ruby goodbye. "Thanks for everything the last few days Rubes. I'll message you after the meeting."

"Good luck baby girl! See you soon!" Ruby hugged the blonde tighter with tears in her eyes. She was so proud of her friend. She pushed her away gently and wafted her hand in front of her face. "Go! Before I turn into a blubbering mess!"

Emma smiled and gave the woman a playful shove. "See you soon." She walked into the waiting area after going through security and sat down to mess with her phone. She couldn't stop checking her pages. It was like an addiction seeing all the new views, comments and follows. She hadn't even gotten to the end of the comments before the boarding announcement was made. Her stomach fluttered again and she boarded the plane taking her seat in the first class area. She was sat across from a few familiar faces that she recognized from various films although she wasn't sure exactly who they were or what she'd seen them in. The hostess came around and offered her a glass of Champagne which she gladly accepted. It probably wasn't the best idea to start drinking so early but she figured one glass wouldn't hurt and may actually give her some dutch courage. She flicked through the on board magazine and listened to a few tracks on the radio.

It was a short flight and they were landing before she knew it. She grabbed her carry on bag and left the plane to collect her guitar. It was already waiting for her in the fragile luggage section and she couldn't belief how quick everything had happened. She walked out to see a guy holding a name card that read Emma Swan and she bounced over to him. "Hey, I'm Emma Swan."

The guy smiled looking slightly pertubed. "If you'd like to follow me Ma'am, your car is waiting out front."

Emma saluted him which he ignored and she felt a bit embarrassed. She followed him quietly out to the car and got in. It was so strange for her having everything taken care of and not having to worry about taxi's or wonder where she should go. It was kind of nice after the stress of the last few weeks just to follow someone around and have them make all the decisions. As they drove off, she stared out of the window and watched all the life outside go about like any normal day. She loved New York and the buzz it always provided. It had been her intention to move here a long time ago but life got in the way. Now, it felt like it was possibly the right time. If this deal went well, maybe she could stay a while longer, try and find an apartment for herself. She'd never really had her own place or had to look for one. The thought excited her.

The car pulled up outside a very elegant building with at least 30 floors. It towered over Emma and she felt so small and insignificant. She was overcome with nerves and doubts, thinking they must have made a mistake in asking her to come in. She wasn't fancy. She knew nothing about being fancy! Emma wanted to tell the driver to turn around and take her back to the airport. She was about to when she saw a brunette with dark sunglasses and a black skirt suit round the corner. Her heart fluttered and she opened the window with a grin. "Hey Regina!"

The brunette tipped her sunglasses down her nose and glanced around. When her eyes fell on the blonde hanging out of the black limo, she smiled broadly and walked over to the car. "Emma Swan in a limo? Now that's more like it!"

Emma blushed and tried to open the door for herself but her hands were shaking uncontrollably. Regina opened the door from the outside and stood back. "I suppose I better get used to giving you the star treatment!"

Emma got out and blushed again. "Thanks, sorry, I couldn't.." She cut off when Regina hugged her warmly. Her whole body tingled at the contact.

"Don't apologise! You must be a nervous wreck right now! It's so good to see you here dear! Welcome to New York!" Regina broke the hug and extended her arms out motioning to the city.

Emma couldn't stop grinning. She was nervous but the attraction she felt towards the brunette was making her even more so. She grabbed her guitar and overnight bag from the car and slammed the door shut. She wasn't sure what to do or say. Luckily Regina spoke for her.

"So are you planning on staying for a couple of days?"

Emma shrugged. "I'm not sure. I haven't really thought that far ahead to be honest. It's all happened so quickly. I brought some stuff just in case."

Regina nodded. "Have Goldrum offered to put you up somewhere?"

"Uhm, I don't know. I don't even know how I'm getting back to Boston!"

Regina tilted her head to the side. "I must admit, that isn't very like Belle to leave uncertainties. She's usually extremely organised. Don't worry about that. Let's get this meeting out of the way and then maybe afterwards we can have a drink or something to celebrate?"

Emma nodded. "That would be awesome. Ok, let's do this!"

The women walked into Goldrum Records and checked in with the receptionist. She directed the women to the elevator and told them to go to the 30th floor. Emma was fidgeting with her guitar case strap as they rode the elevator. Regina giggled. "Just try to relax, Emma. You'll be fine."

The doors pinged open and the women stepped out into a large, open plan office. There was another reception desk there and a large seating area. The walls were decorated with various gold disks of rock legends made famous by Mr. Gold and his empire. Emma felt extremely privileged to be getting a glimpse of this world, even if just for a day. She must have been in a daze because the next thing she felt was Regina squeezing her hand. "Emma? Did you hear that?" Emma looked down at the hand in her own and then back up into brown eyes. Regina must have realised what she had done and quickly retracted her hand.

Emma shook away the haze and spoke. "Sorry, I was just amazed by those disks. What did you say?"

Regina blushed. "We should go and wait in Mr. Gold's room. He'll be through in a moment." She repeated what the Secretary had told them a few seconds before and motioned towards some glass doors Emma hadn't noticed.

The pair walked in and Emma took the seat right next to Regina. She was nervous and her leg was bouncing up and down under the table. Regina cocked an eyebrow. "You are worse than kid in a candy store! Try to contain your excitement a little. You don't want to seem too keen. Gold can be quite tricky." She placed a hand on Emma's knee innocently to stop it from shaking.

Emma felt a shot of electricity pulse through her at the touch. Before she could stop herself, she covered Regina's hand with her own. "I am keen though! I can't help it if my body gets all jittery and fired up when I'm excited."

Regina bit her lip before the grin could take a hold. Emma laughed. "That's not what I meant! Oh God!"

Regina laughed. "I didn't say anything."

"You didn't need to. I saw that look."

"Hmmm. Well, maybe I'll give you a few lessons on how to act unaffected."

Emma grinned. She wasn't exactly sure what that meant exactly but she liked the sound of the woman wanting to teach her anything. She blushed realising she still had her hand over Regina's and removed it. She noticed the brunette still kept her hand there for a few moments until somebody entered the room from behind them.

"Regina, lovely to see you again! Miss Swan, such a pleasure to meet you!" Mr Gold bellowed and extended a hand to shake.

"Gold, how are you?" Regina spoke firmly to the impish looking man.

"Excellent as always. Now, not meaning to be rude dear but why are you here?"

Regina cocked an eyebrow. "I'm here as advisor to Emma. We are friends and I said I'd come and have a look over your contract. Make sure she wasn't signing anything she wasn't sure about." She smiled lightly but it didn't quite reach her eyes Emma noticed. She wondered what exactly their relationship was as she detected a slight uneasiness between them.

"I see. Always the worrier aren't we, Regina? Well rest assured, I have Emma's best interests in mind. Let's have a chat, shall we?" He motioned for them all to seat and produced a few papers from a leather bound folder he'd had tucked under his arm. Belle sat directly opposite Regina and smiled genuinely at her and Emma. She reached a hand across the table towards the blonde.

"I'm Belle, we spoke on the phone. Lovely to meet you in person and can I say, I absolutely loved your video. I can't wait to hear more from you!"

Emma relaxed a bit. This Belle was much less intimidating than Mr Gold. "Thanks, I erm, I'm glad to be here and glad you liked it."

Mr Gold cleared his throat and Belle shot him a disapproving look. It was clear to Emma who had the upper hand in this particular relationship and she was pretty impressed by how the softly spoken woman could put the king of record labels in his place with one look. Gold loosened his collar and began. "As Belle so kindly mentioned, we were both impressed with your creativity and natural gift for composition. I see hundreds upon thousands of women like yourself on a daily basis but most fail to impress. When Belle showed me your video, I had to admit with the right training, production and a little Gold magic, you could be the next big thing. So I'm prepared to offer you a deal with a few, non-negotiable terms. I believe you'll find it more than generous." He pushed the contract towards Emma and put his hands together.

Regina pulled the contract towards herself and flicked through it superficially. "Can we have some time to read through this and get back to you?"

Gold smiled but it looked more like a grimace to Emma. "Of course. I'll give you 48 hours to look it over and get back to me. We can schedule another meeting on Wednesday, same time?"

Emma looked at Regina for help who nodded. "Sure. That's great. Thanks Mr. Gold."

"You're welcome Miss Swan. Oh Belle, did you arrange accommodation for our guest?"

Belle nodded excitedly. "Yes, I apologise,I forgot to tell you on the phone but I've arranged a hotel for you for the next couple of days. If you need anything at all while you're here, please call me at any time." She handed over her card along with Emma's hotel information and a large envelope.

"That's awesome. Thanks again. I'll erm, look over everything and we'll speak again soon."

Mr Gold stood and shook both women's hands then left the room. He didn't seem too keen on making small talk or asking much about Emma's vision. It wasn't anything like she'd expected. Belle lingered a little. "He's a bit distant but you get used to him. He really does want you on board here Emma. I probably shouldn't tell you this, but I caught him singing along to 'The Devil in Me' in the shower last night!" She winked and left the room.

Regina laughed when it was just the two of them again. "Gold singing! Pray to whatever God you worship that you never have to hear that!" She stood up and smoothed down her skirt. "I think that went well. Come on, let's go grab some mimosas."